Despite numerous preventive measures by our teams, who worked day and night to secure the public domain, notably by installing industrial pumps in key locations, clearing catch basins and installing watertight balloons in rainwater outfalls, Mother Nature had the last word.

Like most people in Montreal and in the surrounding areas, we were able to see for ourselves that this extraordinary phenomenon put a severe strain on our water systems, which are not designed to withstand such heavy rainfall in such a short period of time.

Current situation

The Borough is mobilized and carrying out various work such as clearing catch basins, cleaning streets and collect broken trees and branches. The priority is to secure public roads and spaces, and decontaminate municipal buildings that have also been flooded.

Given the extent of the damage to our public spaces, recovery and clean-up operations will take several weeks. We remind you that the Borough cannot intervene on private property.

Versailles swimming pool: seasonal closure

The Versailles municipal swimming pool had to close early for the season on August 19, 2024, as the aquatic facilities and adjoining building were flooded. Cleaning and decontamination work must be carried out. Please note that all scheduled aquatic activities have been cancelled. 

Users taking courses with Sportmax will be informed of the change of venue if applicable.

Swimmers are invited to head to Valleycrest pool, located at 4590 rue des Cageux. 

Collection of debris and materials

To accelerate the collection of residual materials in the borough, extra teams have been at work since August 12. Operation will run until September 1 inclusively. Residents should expect collections to extend into the evenings until 11 p.m.

The cooperation and patience of residents are essential at this stage, as the task is colossal. 

After September 1, residents are invited to take debris to the curb during regular collections, making sure to sort the materials properly. You can also go to the ecocentre to dispose of it, or obtain a container through your home insurance or a private company. 

To facilitate the work of the crews and enable them to speed up their response, it is important to place your residual waste on the public right-of-way and not on the street. 

Regular collections ( waste, recycling and organic matter) will continue according to the usual schedule. Due to the large volume of material to be removed, it may take up to 48 hours per sector. If your bin has not been emptied on the day scheduled, leave it at the curb. No need to call 311.

We ask that you sort your waste according to whether they are recyclables, construction, renovation and demolition (CRD) waste or bulky items. Note that more than one collection may be required to remove all the materials deposited. These collections could take place over several days.

You can speed up the clean-up process by bringing your soiled items to the Saint-Laurent ecocentre yourself, free of charge.

Please note that household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronic appliances will not be collected, as it is forbidden to send them to landfill sites. Furthermore, the Highway Safety Code does not allow large-scale transportation of these materials by our teams. 

Residents are invited to wait for the mobile collections next fall, or to bring them to the Saint-Laurent ecocentre, which is the closest to our borough. You can also give them to private companies for safe disposal. 

Lastly, we invite you to check with your insurer to see if you can rent a waste container in order to be independant in your clean-up.

Get details about household waste collections

Post-disaster renovations 

When carrying out renovations following after the floods, please note that no permit is required to clear or restore the premises when the work involves replacing flooring, drywall, cupboards and doors, as well as insulation.

Help for disaster victims without insurance

Disaster victims who are forced to leave their homes due to unsanitary conditions or major damages, and who do not have insurance, are invited to contact 311 to report their accommodation needs. The Red Cross will arrange temporary accommodation for them.

What to do after a flood?

If your property has suffered water damage, regardless of the type of infiltration, please follow these instructions, which are the same for all impacted citizens across the province : 

• Take photos and videos of the damage to make it easier to deal with your insurer. 
• Contact your insurer as soon as possible and follow the instructions for compensation. 
• There’s no need to call the city to give us your address. Since the floods affected the entire territory, a precise register is not required. 
• Do not restore electricity until a professional has thoroughly checked the circuits. 
• To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, do not use motor pumps, generators or other fuel-burning equipment (propane, gasoline, diesel) inside your home. 

Read this article for more tips 

Volunteer help

Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough Council members are coordinating a volunteer effort. Volunteers are needed to go to the homes of impacted residents who need help removing materials, such as furniture, from their basements, and bring them to the curb for eventual pickup by the City. 

To offer or obtain help, send an e-mail to: [email protected]

“I would like to convey my sincere thoughts of resilience to the residents who have suffered flooding. We are once again affected by this situation and I would like to appeal to the spirit of solidarity between neighbors! Following the devastating effect of Storm Debby and the countless homes flooded by this extreme weather phenomenon, Borough Council is currently coordinating a volunteer effort.”